Debt advisers on Teesside are urging the growing number of people struggling with finances to think twice about selling their houses to rent them back.

The Stockton Advice Service has seen a big increase in the number of clients seeking help in the last three months.

The service received 179 inquiries about threatened homelessness or mortgage arrears - a 30% rise on the same period last year.

Some clients have become a target for companies offering to buy their house and rent it back, claiming this will enable them to clear their debts and remain in their home.

But specialist debt caseworkers at Stockton Advice Service warn there are a number of problems with such schemes, including the fact that the schemes are unregulated, so clients have little room for complaints if something goes wrong.